How To Get Off Tramadol Without Withdrawal

In this article, I’m going to teach you how to get off tramadol without withdrawal. Sound too good to be true? I can tell you with certainty that my natural method for coming off tramadol is very powerful, effective and safe.

Who am I and what are my credentials?

I’m a former opiate abuser that got clean and went on to become a Substance Abuse Counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP), where I helped many individuals come off hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin and other opioids, and yes…even tramadol. I left that job over a year ago to pursue my own business in addiction recovery. I’ve since become a Strategic Intervention Coach, a Level 2 Qigong Instructor, an Advanced Food-Based Healing Instructor, and an Opiate Withdrawal and Recovery Specialist.

Nowadays a lot of my time is spent writing detailed and helpful “How-To” articles on many aspects of opiate addiction recovery, health, and wellness.

After writing a plethora of articles on getting off Rx opiates, heroin, Methadone and Suboxone, the time has come for me to show a lot of love to individuals struggling with tramadol dependence. I refuse to leave tramadol out! If you really want to know how to get off tramadol without withdrawal, it’s time to celebrate…because you’ve come to the right place, my friend.

I Can Help You End Your Addiction Once and For All

Though I’ve never gone through tramadol withdrawal, I have been dependent on and suffered from withdrawal from the following drugs at different periods in my 17-year drug history:

Rx opiates

Heroin

Suboxone

Alcohol

Valium

Methamphetamines

Cocaine

Marijuana

Paxil (a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor antidepressant)

Even though I’ve never been through tramadol withdrawal personally, I assure you I am an expert on the subject. I’ve dedicated my life to researching and writing about all of the most effective natural (as well as medication-based) ways to come off opioid and opioid-agonist drugs and medications. When it comes to tramadol, I know my stuff, and I’ve helped many individuals come off tramadol with ease while I worked as a counselor at the OTP.

You see, from my years of intense research, I’ve realized that withdrawal from opioids and opioid-agonist drugs such as tramadol doesn’t have to be physically or psychologically traumatic. Furthermore, I’ve learned that while medications can be very helpful, there is also a superabundance of extremely potent natural remedies for easing withdrawal symptoms. The things I’ve learned are very exciting, and it brings me great joy to share them with you, but first…let’s take a closer look at the “monster” we’re up against, shall we?

The Ugly Truth About Tramadol

Tramadol is a prescription medication used to treat mild to severe pain. Contrary to popular belief, tramadol is NOT a narcotic drug. Tramadol does not come from the opium poppy plant. Furthermore, tramadol will not show up as an opiate on a drug test. So how exactly does tramadol work?

Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic agent with opiate activity due to a low-affinity binding of the parent compound and higher affinity binding of the O-demethylated metabolite M1 to mu opioid receptors.

So basically, tramadol is a synthetic (man-made) drug that has opiate effects (pain relief, constipation, euphoria, respiratory depression, etc.) due to it binding to the same opioid receptors in the body that opioid analgesic drugs like Morphine and hydrocodone bind to. However, unlike opioid analgesics, tramadol is not currently scheduled as a controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Note:Unfortunately, doctors and other professionals should not have dismissed tramadol’s ability to cause addiction, dependence, and withdrawal as quickly as they did.

It turns out that coming off tramadol can be extremely difficult and dangerous…and here’s why:

Since tramadol fills mu opioid receptors in the brain, coming off tramadol can result in opioid-like withdrawal symptoms.

Tramadol also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, so coming off tramadol can also induce symptoms similar to withdrawal from Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) drugs.

Tramadol Withdrawal

And it’s for these reasons, my friends, that coming off tramadol can be such a nightmare. Though you’re only coming off one medication, depending on the tramadol dependence severity (dosage and length of use, unique biochemistry, physical and psychological health, age, and other drugs you might be taking), you could be prone to the following list of tramadol withdrawal symptoms in varying magnitudes:

Note:Most of these opioid withdrawal symptoms are typical in varying degrees in most people coming off tramadol. Usually (though not always) the magnitude of tramadol withdrawal symptoms severity is directly proportional to the tramadol dependence severity.

SSRI and SNRI Drug Withdrawal Symptoms (Atypical):

Electric shock feelings

Psychosis

Paranoia, anxiety, and panic

Emotional instability

Dizziness

Agitation

Insomnia

Fatigue

Confusion

Hypomania

These two lists accurately portray the most common (though not all) of the possible tramadol withdrawal symptoms. As you can see, some of the symptoms from these two lists are identical, therefore, it can be difficult to ascertain whether or not you’re actually experiencing the atypical symptoms caused by the immediate cessation of SSRI and SNRI drugs, or merely the typical opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Note:If you’re coming off a high daily dose of tramadol, your chances of experiencing atypical symptoms are greater than someone who has used a low dose for a short period of time. Ultimately, the type of tramadol withdrawal you will likely experience is based on varying severities of dependence and biochemical uniqueness.

Don’t get discouraged… my simple Step-by-Step plan will teach you about natural, safe and powerful strategies for coming off tramadol that will give you hope, and more importantly…that work. Okay…this leads us to the “How-To” portion of the article. After reading it you’ll know how to get off tramadol without withdrawal. Furthermore, if you implement these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to coming off tramadol with ease. Freedom from tramadol dependence, health and happiness await you…

How to Get Off Tramadol Without Withdrawal

Whenever people ask me how to get off tramadol without withdrawal, I tell them my plan involves using a synergistic combination of natural methods, which include: tapering, supplements, exercise, and nutrition. The combination of strategies I’m about to give you can work extremely well for coming off tramadol without withdrawal.

If you skip even one of these five steps, the plan will be significantly reduced in efficacy. You will still be able to reduce tramadol withdrawal symptoms, however, it will be much harder to get off tramadol without withdrawal.

Step 1: Start tapering off tramadol

Tapering off tramadol is systematically reducing your daily dosage over a planned-out period of time. Coming off tramadol “cold-turkey” can be a huge system shock, and I don’t recommend it. Tapering off tramadol allows you to slowly reduce the amount of tramadol you take, thus reducing shock to your body. This gentle step-down approach, combined with my other natural methods, can result in you getting off tramadol without withdrawal.

Note:Since everyone brings to the table a different tramadol dependence severity and biochemical makeup, I cannot provide you with a “one size fits all” tapering off tramadol protocol. However, I can provide you with tapering guidelines and a sample tapering off tramadol schedule, and you can devise your own protocol based on your individual needs.

Tapering Off Tramadol Guidelines:

The slower you taper off tramadol, the less tramadol withdrawal symptoms you will experience (typically).

Individuals who have a relatively low tramadol dependence (e.g. 50-300 mg per day for 3-6 weeks) can taper off tramadol faster than someone with a larger tramadol dependence.

At a high tramadol dosage (e.g. 1000 mg per day) you will be able to make larger and more frequent dose decreases (e.g. 20% decreases per week) than someone starting from a small tramadol dose (e.g. 250 mg).

Don’t focus on the tramadol decreases in mg; focus on dropping by percentages of total tramadol dosage (e.g. 10% decreases daily for a fast taper, 5% decreases every two weeks for a slow taper).

Take the least amount of tramadol as is necessary to prevent you from going into tramadol withdrawal (you’re not trying to kill pain, improve mood or get high…you’re only preventing sickness).

If you don’t have strict discipline, I recommend asking a friend, spouse or family member you trust to dish out the allotted tramadol according to your taper regimen, that way you won’t be tempted to take more tramadol.

The lower you go, the slower you should go.

Once you’ve reached your personal “threshold” (the amount of tramadol in which withdrawal symptoms become present regardless of taper speed), I recommend stopping for a period of time or slowing the taper down. At this point, you can start taking the recommended supplements from steps 4-5.

Remember that you’re coming off a medication that acts as an opioid-agonist and a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (so you need to adjust your taper to effectively stave off both types of withdrawal symptoms).

This tramadol-dependent individual could taper at a rate of 10% decreases every week until he comes off tramadol completely. His tramadol taper would look like this:

Week 1 – 720 mg per day

Week 2 – 648 mg per day

Week 3 – 583 mg per day

week 4 – 524 mg per day

Week 5 – 472 mg per day

Week 6 – 425 mg per day

Week 7 – 382 mg per day

Week 8 – 344 mg per day

Week 9 – 309 mg per day

Week 10 – 278 mg per day

Week 11 – 250 mg per day

Week 12 – 225 mg per day

Week 13 – 202 mg per day

Week 14 – 182 mg per day

Week 15 – 164 mg per day

Week 16 – 147 mg per day

Week 17 – 132 mg per day

Week 18 – 119 mg per day

Week 19 – 107 mg per day

Week 20 – 97 mg per day

Week 21 – 87 mg per day

Week 22 – 78 mg per day

Week 23 – 70 mg per day

Week 24 – 64 mg per day

Week 25 – 57 mg per day

Week 26 – 51 mg per day

Week 27 – 46 mg per day

Week 28 – 42 mg per day

Week 29 – 38 mg per day

Week 30 – 34 mg per day

Week 31 – 30 mg per day

Week 32 – 27 mg per day

Week 33 – 24 mg per day

Week 34 – 22 mg per day

Week 35 – come off tramadol completely

Other Tips for Tapering Off Tramadol:

While tapering off tramadol in increments of 25, 12.5 or 6.25 mg per reduction, you can use a pill cutter to slice the tramadol into smaller chunks (2, 4 or 8).

If your taper is slower and you will be reducing in smaller increments (e.g. 1 mg), ask your physician to prescribe you Synapryn (liquid tramadol). Synapryn is available in both 5 mg and 10 mg tramadol liquid suspensions. It’s pretty easy and accurate using the 5 mg Synapryn to measure out a dose close to or at the exact tramadol mg.

Step 2: Start consuming a high amino acid diet

Coming off tramadol leads to a few significant biochemical imbalances in the brain. Since tramadol is both an opioid agonist as well as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, tramadol withdrawal leads to numerous deficiencies in important mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically:

Endorphins – A type of inhibitory (relaxing) neurotransmitter that acts as a natural painkiller (natural morphine).

Serotonin – Another inhibitory chemical in the brain that helps you feel “emotionally relaxed”.

Norepinephrine – An excitatory (stimulating) chemical messenger that simultaneously acts as a hormone. Also known as noradrenaline, it helps you focus and is effective at alleviating depression.

Note:Tapering off tramadol will significantly reduce these imbalances. Along with this strategy, eating a diet high in quality proteins and amino acid supplements can help to further enhance brain chemistry that’s been disrupted due to regular use of tramadol, and from coming off tramadol. Focus on eating at least 20-30 grams of quality protein 2-3 times per day while tapering off tramadol.

The following dietary guidelines can improve brain chemistry and ameliorate withdrawal symptoms induced by coming off tramadol:

Focus on turkey and shrimp because they are especially high in L-tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to 5-HTP in the brain; 5-HTP then naturally converts to serotonin.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, and a high amino acid diet can lead to increased amounts of neurotransmitters in the brain. Tapering off tramadol combined with eating a high amino acid diet can dramatically reduce tramadol withdrawal symptoms. However, you still have more to learn if you want to know how to get off tramadol without withdrawal…and that brings us to the next step.

Step 3: Start exercising

All drugs mimic different neurotransmitters in the brain, and tramadol specifically mimic endorphins, our natural painkillers (natural morphine). When tramadol fills your mu opioid receptors, your brain releases massive amounts of endorphins in quantities our bodies weren’t designed to handle. After taking tramadol for a period of time, the brain gets used to this artificial and massive supply of endorphins.

Tapering off tramadol can be difficult because even though you’re creating less drug-induced endorphins, your body does not supply you with the rest. This can lead to a massive endorphin deficiency, which makes you more susceptible to physical and emotional pain.

Note:When my patients used to ask me how to get off tramadol without withdrawal, I would always encourage them to exercise as part of their overall taper wellness plan. Swimming, jogging, walking, weight training and other forms of exercise can help your body produce endorphins within minutes.

Exercise can help you get off tramadol without withdrawal because it:

Improves mood

Boosts endorphins (natural painkillers)

Improves sleep

Reduces pain (both physical and emotional)

Promotes well-being

Reverses anxiety

Reverses depression

Increases energy

Improves physique

Boosts confidence

Step 4: Start taking kratom

Kratom is a beautiful tree (member of the coffee family) that is not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency in the United States (making it legal), which has mu-opioid agonist qualities (like tramadol), that can without a doubt help you get off tramadol without withdrawal.

Kratom eases opiate withdrawal symptoms in a fascinating way.Kratom is not an opiate, however, it is an opioid agonist. This means that it works in a similar fashion to tramadol, only without the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake qualities. Mitragynine, the major alkaloid in kratom, is a partial opioid agonist producing similar effects to morphine.

Note:An interesting minor alkaloid of kratom, 7-hyrdoxymitragynine, has been reported to be more potent than morphine. Both kratom alkaloids activate supraspinal mu- and delta- opioid receptors, thus kratom can be used as a powerful natural remedy for coming off tramadol without withdrawal.

How to Use Kratom:

As soon as you reach your “threshold” (the low dose where you start to feel tramadol withdrawal symptoms) in the taper, start taking kratom. Classic Red Bali is, in my opinion, the best kratom for tapering off tramadol without withdrawal. All strains of kratom work for coming off tramadol, but the Maeng Da is especially good at relieving symptoms and boosting mood.

Note:Since everyone is biochemically unique with varying severity’s of tramadol dependence, it is not possible to provide you with a perfect kratom dosage for tapering off tramadol.

However, the following guidelines will help you ascertain how much kratom to use for coming off tramadol without withdrawal:

Lower kratom dosages of approx. 3-7 grams have more stimulating and mood-enhancing effects.

At around 8 grams and up, kratom provides more sedating and painkilling effects.

Kratom needs to be taken on an empty stomach for optimum absorption and efficacy.

Taking kratom powder in grapefruit juice acts as a “potentiator” (amplifies the strength)

Since kratom is an opioid agonist, it can be habit-forming…and it can also lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms if you abuse it; only take as much kratom as is necessary to avoid tramadol withdrawal symptoms.

Step 5: Start taking an Opiate Withdrawal Supplement

Opiate Withdrawal Supplements may help you get off tramadol without withdrawal. These supplements contain a well-formulated blend of nutrients that have been shown to ease tramadol withdrawal symptoms.

Note:If you really want to know how to get off tramadol without withdrawal, taking an Opiate Withdrawal Supplement is the final step in my natural detox plan. You have to use good judgment here regarding the timing of taking this incredible supplement. A few of the ingredients in Opiate Withdrawal Supplements increase serotonin naturally, so you’ll want to wait until you’re on a very low dose of tramadol (when you notice depression due to low serotonin levels) before taking the supplement.

CAUTION:

Since Opiate Withdrawal Supplements contain ingredients that can increase serotonin, taking it while you’re not feeling the serotonin withdrawal from your taper can increase your chance of getting Serotonin Syndrome, though it’s extremely rare. However, since you will be in serotonin withdrawal after coming off tramadol completely, this is a safe and effective time to use an Opiate Withdrawal Supplement. If you want to use it while you’re on a low tapering dose, this is fine, just be sure to monitor how you’re feeling.

Note: If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.

How to Get Off Tramadol Without Withdrawal Conclusion

Now that you know how to get off tramadol without withdrawal, I hope you have gained insight and motivation that will lead you to come off tramadol for good. I know it’s a lot of information to take in, but I assure you this plan can work miracles if done correctly.

Note:Please be advised that this is not medical advice and is for informational purposes only. You must talk to your physician before implementing any of the methods in this article.

This is by far the most detailed and intricate “How-To” article I’ve written to date. Since tramadol has multiple actions, and since there is not a lot of information on using these natural methods for coming off tramadol, I felt the need to be very thorough. I developed this plan as a guide for you to use to get off tramadol without withdrawal. If some of my ideas don’t resonate with you, simply use what you like and leave the rest.

Matt Finch

Matt helps men and women that are dependent on opiates learn how to get off these drugs without getting sick. He is a former opiate addict and a former Substance Abuse Counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP). Matt has since become an Opiate Recovery Coach, Author, and Speaker.

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The information we provide while responding to comments is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The responses to comments on OpiateAddictionSupport.com are designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional care if you believe you may have a condition.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Thanks for the guidance re. Opiate & SSRI withdrawal. I’m recovering from spinal surgery following a car accident and as I’m sensitive to codeine I have to use tramadol. I have been very careful to keep the dose as low as possible but I find it far more physically addictive than any of the opiates! I get no high from tramadol and literally wait till my pain is almost unbearable before taking them. They cause withdrawal symptoms at very low dose I find. It’s difficult as I have no choice but to take them.

doctors don’t care any more they just give you pills , i started on 50mg a day too 500mg a day , over 3 years , now im trying to get off it , its very very hard , it gets to a point where your how life is controlled by tramadol and the doctors don’t want to really do anything but give u more pills. but we all must get to a point where we just say this is enough, this is too much, this is time to take our lives back, and i really feel for anyone that is at this point. i really up i have enough to overcome this. thank you for everything you have done to help people

Hey man thank you so much for this summary. Tramadol is an interesting drug due to its cheapness, availability, and the ability to work while you’re on it, but the withdrawal symptoms are worse than traditional opiates IMO.

This is a great write up and I’m going to start taper immediately.

Like i said, Tramadol is a is an interesting drug but the high is definitely NOT clean like you get from an Oxy – it’s a nasty drug, not surprising the withdrawals are so nasty. I’m on 400-600mg/day for a few months (was on 200-400mg/day for a year before I stepped it up recently).

My gp gave me a prescription for tramadol while waiting for surgery, took one and about the time it would have worn off I suddenly got a major case of the flu. [ I hadn’t been anywhere for several days and no one I knew had the flu either.] At least that’s what the doctor told me when I went in with the questions about how bad I felt. The surgeon gave me a prescription for tramadol also, four times the dosage as my gp. Thank goodness I didn’t take that much. Now after 2 months and the third attempt to get off this stuff I’m not believing that I “just had the flu”

I need help weaning off 200mg ER Tramadol. Have been on it for 5 years for intercostal nerve damage from surgery. Now I’m not sure of my level of pain, so I want to wean off and then reassess my pain level. Because of the extended release, I’m having trouble figuring out a way to wean off. I take the dosage in the morning every day. I am in possession of a couple of old prescriptions of 50mg. Can I use those in place of the ER, and how to start? Thanks for your help.

Hey matt, A big Muwaaaah for this. Need to share my story. I have been on tramadol for last 2 years. Just a week ago i was on 800mgs and had my 2nd seizure standing by roadside. I promised myself to quit right away. I tapered down to 300mg instantly . I know it was dangerous but i was so mad and scared. Now my psychiatrist have given me a tapering plan of 100mgs every 4 days. It means i’ll be off of it in next 12 days. No doubt i have been going through much depression, body aches , tremors . He has also prescribed BUPROPION HCL & clonazepam. They are helping a little but not much. Still its worth it. I would take any pain to get off of it now. My question is what i am going to do after 12 days when i’ll completely off of it? I am getting married next month. Just want less of the depression. Dont want her to think that i might not be interested in getting married to her anymore 😀 please help me getting out of the post depression as early as possible. Love xx

I have been taking Tramadol for about 3 years and gone off of it a few times which was horrible. Most recently I’ve been taking 12-17 50 mg pills per day in the evenings after work. Last Thursday I had 10 left and was going to get a refill but that night I had a seizure and ended up in emergency room. It was extremely scary and I have not felt the same since for several reasons. One I had a seizure, too I had a concussion and three I have been off of tramadol and experiencing horrible withdrawals. I have not told anyone that this is something I take or how much I take. I was prescribed medication about three years ago and my doctor wanted me to stop taking it because she could tell I was becoming dependent. So I stopped and at one point the same medication was prescribed for my senior dog and so I started dipping in to her medication which is so shameful. So now I’m at a point where I cannot concentrate and have only slept six hours in the last three days and I cannot function at work or in life! Since my seizure last Thursday I was so scared I just stopped taking them but the with drawl symptoms started getting so bad that I was taking the last 10 pills and spreading them for a couple of days but now I am out and absolutely scared and miserable . Even trying to type this message is very difficult and I just want to be off and free of this medication . I’m so glad I found this article! Thank You thank you!!!

I did go to the ER. The paramedics came after my seizure and took me there. For the last 3 days I have been taking 7 pills daily and will continue tapering off until I’m off it completely! To my knowledge the first time seizure and Tramadol are not related. I’ve been undergoing lots of testing but leaving this part out of all conversations. I subscribed to this detox program in hopes o can get through the impending withdrawal.

Hi, obviously being an addict (boy, that’s hard to say) I jumped around looking for what supplements I could start taking immediately without really reading the whole article. I didn’t find this Tramadol article till after I ordered Solaray DLPA. How would/could use DLPA coming off of Tramadol? I did get the calm support you suggested. Should receive both in 3 days. I get so impatient hoping there is a solution for this addiction. I am so thankful I found you and thanks for sharing your knowledge. Please answer back! Last thing I need is overdoing or under-doing my serotonin amount. Thank you

Thank you so much for this website! There is a desperate need for this information. I have been taking 3 to 4 50mg Tramadol for probably six years. I have tried many times to stop taking them, but I end up taking them to do my job.

One question. When I am starting at four pills a day, how do I actually reduce by 5 or 10%? The pills kind of crumble when I cut them. Any suggestions?

Ohh my lord , first of all hey how are you ? I had this bad stomach pain I couldn’t even sleep then my doc prescribed Tramadol I took like a week and it was miracle and I let myself into cause when you take it you really feel good but this painkiller Is a retarded Bomb aft t taking for long and I found myself in 500mg in 24h when I try to stop there I knew was takin drug went to internet and read about it I cried like baby lol . But anyway I’m out of this horrible drug like 6 days after takin it almost a year and yea I’m feeling everything you just describe about the Symptoms and it’s so damnnn hard , people forget talking about having sex while talkin the tramadol . The sex is not working that’s the scariest part for me , eventho having sex you will not ejaculed or sometime you don’t even get horny at all ( sorry for the word horny and other disrespectful words ) . I’m married and have 5 old daughter . I’m taking Analgan Codéine for the terrible body pain from head to the foot and it’s work . I started swimming and walking like 5 to 10 miles and now I don’t even need the Analgan Codeine for the pain in 6 days of talking it . Now I swim I walk and I laugh a lot . Don’t forget to eat black chocolate spicy food and have lot of sex. More important drink water every minutes drink till you can’t drink anymore . Well I wish the best for everyone this shyt is shyyt man and dangerous. Amicalement

Hi there Mr. Finch, I can’t tell you how relieved I am to find this guide. I’m a 26 year old man. I first tried tramadol when I was about 16 years old. I only took it a handful of times recreationally until I was about 22. I was taking 12 credit hours or more a semester in college and working full time at the same time. I realized that this drug that I usually took to lay around the house and relax actually gave me a lot of energy. So I started taking it during long shifts or when I had exams and papers to write. Then the February before last my father passed of a sudden heart attack the week of my midterms. Rather than taking any time off work or school, I just started taking however much tramadol would keep me moving forward and keep me from fully feeling greif. Fast forward almost two years and I’ve found myself taking anywhere from 16-24 50mg tramadol per day depending on the week. Some days it’s been as many as 30 of them. I’m just sick of it. I’m sick of having to be constantly looking for more because even maximum scripts last me less than two weeks. I can afford it because bartending is actually surprisingly lucrative, but it’s money I’m just burning. A couple friends of mine who also like these types of drugs know I take them, but they have absolutely no idea how much I take. For them 2 50mgs is just a fun day. Nobody has any real idea what I’ve been doing because I appear extremely high functioning. And I’m ashamed of it. It effects my romantic relationships because there’s this huge thing in my life that I can’t share with anyone. What you’ve done here gives me a lot of hope that I can actually manage this. I intend to start this program as soon as I can get all the materials around. Thank you. -Dom

Thank you for this highly informative article. I have been taking 50 mg of Tramadol 2-3 tid for the past several years. Recently I underwent spinal cord stimulation implant for chronic pain and neuropathies. The surgery was successful and my pain levels from surgery and the chronic pain are greatly diminished.

However, I asked the three physicians caring for me post-op–my primary care doctor, my pain management doctor, and my surgeon–how I should come off the Tramadol. The answer all three times was, “You’re not taking very much. I wouldn’t worry about it. Stop when you’re ready.” So, I did. But first I had to get fearful of what was happening.

I realized I wasn’t reaching for a Tramadol because I was hurting every time; I just wanted to feel good. I told my husband to tell me each time I said I was taking one to ask me outright if I really needed it. Eventually, I began to have pain in other areas as you have mentioned. Last week I spent most of the week in and out of bed frustrated because I had no energy or enthusiasm, felt like I was taking the flu or a cold, had a runny nose, teared up at a moment’s notice, and then began to wonder if it was my hormone replacement that wasn’t working (I’m 71 and still on HRT for good reason). However, in the last couple of days stranger symptoms like just sitting and staring for no good reason, forgetfulness, etc. Two days ago I took my last Tramadol.

That’s when I began researching Tramadol withdrawal. I see now that perhaps my doctors were wrong. Perhaps I did need some assistance in coming off. However, now that I’m off and struggling with withdrawal, I find your article and I’m angry that no one would take responsibility to at least tell me what I should do. I can make it through this but what would a person taking higher doses, with a different metabolism, without the support system I have here do.

Thank you for what you’re doing here and for wanting to help others cross the hurdle.

Thanks for sharing your experience with all of this. I had a client come in for treatment at the outpatient program I used to work at, and he said he had been in the military, and they dished him out tramadol like candy. Never told him it could be addictive, never told him it could lead to dependence and withdrawal, never told him anything at all. It’s very sad, and irresponsible too. Glad that you’re making it through this, but it’s so unfortunate for the many that end up as an “accidental addict” by way of never being informed of what they’re truly getting into. Take care, and I wish you the best on your journey. And again, thanks for leaving such a detailed and heartfelt comment.

Had been on tramadol for over 25 years. Swapped to OxyContin about a year ago. About 6 weeks ago I went cold turkey off the oxy. I made it 12 days before stomach problems developed Diversticulitis. I fought through another week, then my doc gave me tramadol. Since I hadn’t slept for 4 days I took one tramadol to see if I could get to sleep. That one pill 75mg sent me into withdrawals far worse than any I had coming off the oxys. So like a dummy I started taking 3 at a time twice a day. I’m doing good but I only had a script for 3 pills a day. I’ll be out tomorrow and can’t refill for two weeks. I do have neurotin that I haven’t used, and xanax which I take a .5mg. maybe three nights a week. How much neurotin and xanax can I safely take to try to get through the hell thats going to start tomorrow night? Thanks so much for your site, wish I had found it earlier.

I am an all around recovery addict of 3 years, who was prescribed tramadol 2 years ago for back issues. I do not take a high dose… at all. But the fact I have taken it for so long, scares me when it comes to withdrawal. It isn’t an issue for me abusing, I just want off of it. The idea my body is physically dependent on something ONCE AGAIN aggravates the hell out of me! I take UP TO 100mgs a day. And that’s rare. Norally it’s only 50-75. How do you think I will do? Opiate withdrawal is what sent me to meth. The “idea” that I could do meth (I had only tried it a few times at parties at this time, etc…) for a week to get through my Opiate withdrawal of hydrocodone. Then I ended up an IV meth user, and lost my entire life. I have a 2 year old, and my 2 teen girls back in my life. (My 2 year old saved my life. Once I found out I was pregnant and looking at prison time.. I knew I was done. I graduated drug court. Now 3 years clean) I still consider myself clean… because I don’t abuse. I just don’t want to be physically dependant on ANYTHING at this point. It makes me scared to death that it’s only a road back to the old days!

Im a 26 year old business owner who ended up becoming addicted to this stupid medication 3 years ago and have abused it to handle my stress and made my addiction worse! I want to start having kids in the next year and am 100% determined to get off of this stuff ASAP. I am seriously so thankful for this article. I was looking for natural supplements and diet info to help my body replenish the things it will be losing and you had the most information all right here on one page. I just want to say thank you for taking the time to write this article it gives me a more hopeful outlook!

Thank you so much for your website – it has been extremely helpful. I am on my fifth day without Tramadol. I had been taking 15+ tablets a day for the past 1 year, and Oxycodone or Hydrocodone sprinkled in when I wasn’t on Tramadol spanning back 2 years(ish). I’ve detoxed 5 times in the past 2 years and Tramadol detox has definitely been the worst between the three drugs for me. I detoxed a month or two ago with the help of Gabapentin – which was a MIRACLE and literally eliminated 80% of the withdrawal symptoms. The first time I used Gabapentin I started with a dose of 800mg. I went back on Tramadol a day or two later and ran out again last Saturday. With the help of Gabapentin again, I’ve made it 5 days now. My dose of Gabapentin had to be much higher this time and I’m taking 1600-2000mg up to 3X a day. I’m committed to being sober, and I believe the physical withdrawal is mostly over, but I am now beginning to feel the REAL effects of withdrawal that have caused me to relapse in the past which is the depression, anxiety, poor mood….I just have this horrible cloud over me that I can’t seem to get out from under. It’s making me feel a little helpless, but I know going back isn’t the answer. I am ashamed to admit that I have been dealing with all of this and am 32 weeks pregnant today, and I have a 3 and 4 year old at home and they are all my main motivation for staying clean. My question is, what would you start with if you were me that might help with mood? Do you know if any of the products you recommend can be used in pregnancy safely? I doubt any would do more harm than Tramadol but in the interest of not causing early labor (as some supplements have the potential to do) and getting 100% back on track in terms of the health of the baby, I would love to get your feedback. Thank you for your help and for listening.

I’m glad the website has helped you. And CONGRATS on being 5 days off tramadol!! Well done. 🙂 As for your question on mood, please refer to the following article which will totally point you in the right direction. With the supplements covered, you will need to ask your OBGYN if you can take them.

Excellent article, have taken 200 mg daily, 4 50’s. Fibro, body aches going on five years. Great support from doctor, thankful for that. But will easily be able to reduce that after reading this article. Will then start looking at adding some OTC drugs and implement some natural solutions also. Always wanted to cut Tramadol in half to 100 mg a day. I think I found the answer. Slow and easy, baby steps, no rush. Thanks again.

I was on either on Norco or Tramadol for 12 years. The 1st 6 on Norco (150 mgs daily). Then on Tramadol for 6 yrs (150-350 mgs daily). I had a TKR last May and took a lot of Norco and Percocet for About 2-3 months. Then I used Tramadol to wean myself off the Norco and Percocet. Got down to 150 mgs of Tramadol over a one month period and then detoxed cold turkey. It has been over 3 months since detoxing and I still have insomnia. I have tried 5-http and melatonin for insomnia. I didn’t like either one, the feeling or performance. My Dr. Prescribed me trazadone, which didn’t really work for the insomnia and made me fell like a zombie. Then she prescribed zoloft. But I won’t take it! I’m sure I have PAWS. Do you really think that Calm Support would help at this point in time. I exercise, eat fairly well, and meditate. Originally, I slept very little for a month. I do sleep for about five-six hours now but not a deep sleep. I am constantly in a dream state. And, I toss and turn a lot. Which means I’m always tired. Seems to be taking my neurotransmitters a long time to ‘re-connect!

Love this all. I have starting a slow titration of extended release tramadol, what a great drug to be on but extremely horrible to come off. I would like to take the “calm” supplements but have am very restricted to folic acid intake. Not sure if I should try some of the supplements independently or go another route like Kratom. I have depression to begin with and feel worse already and not sure where to start. Definitely like all of your research and suggestions. I guess the best “long term” outcome with minimal complications in the future – lol. Still can’t believe this nightmare of a medication. It’s horrible how little support the medical Professionals have for patients regarding withdrawal. One pain specialist encouraged me to take more and take it for life cause it makes people feel so good. Eek!!!! I had to tell my doctor my own withdrawal plan and now feel so horribly in the dark. Worn out, tired, sick and did I mention tired? 3 toddlers and a husband and I need to be well as does everyone. 💛 Thank you for this site ! What a blessing!

I went off tramadol 6 days ago after a second clavicle repair. Was on it for about 3 and a half months maybe 4 in total. taking about 200mg per day. Was incredibly active, focused, driven, before and while on it. Then boom have no desire and feel like i am in the worst place ive ever been in my life. I had taken tramadol for my first surgery as well, but i was able to go and excercise and work(reason i had a second surgery) which made it so much easier to go through the first withdrawal(two sleepless nights with jitters and slight depression). However, this time i cant excercise at all, im a big runner, but you can only run so much before it starts to affect you physically. So i just found this article but i feel like its too late for the tapering off, however, i just started back on my crytical amino diet I had been on previously while on strick workout routines. What do you recommend i do to get rid or help this depression?

While low serotonin is often the culprit for depression, it can also be caused by low dopamine. I suggest studying the difference in how depression is characterized by each neurotransmitter so you will be able to relate. 5htp is a great serotonin producing amino, while dlpa, l-tyrosine and l-dopa are what I recommend for dopamine production

It’s August 8th and I started tapering on June 13th. I’m down from 150mg a day to just under 50mg. I got “Ixprim” which has 37.5mg of tramadol per tablet. I am now taking half a tablet during the night and three quarters during the day so that’s about 48mgs per day. Next week, I’ll be down to two halves, I hope. Found reading this site on June 13th invaluable. It has given me hope and strength. Thankyou. COR

Been weaning myself off tramadol. I’m wondering if it is better to wait until withdrawal symptoms start to take some, or if it’s better to head the withdrawal off. I’m down to from six 50 mg tablets per day to only one 50 mg tablet per day. I haven’t taken any though in the last 30 hours or so, and still no withdrawal, yay. I have a weeks worth left and don’t plan on going back to the doctor to get more. I need to make the most of what I have, and try not to make myself too sick in the process. Thanks in advance!

I have found this site hopeful and helpful. Have just drawn up a tapering programme for myself to get off the 150 mgs a day habit of tramadol I formed just over three years ago. The guilt I have been feeling is the most negative aspect of my life. I’ve told no one and this is the first time I’ve written it down. Thank you. I believe I can do it after reading your advice. COR

Hi I could really use some help getting off both 10mg Valium twice a day (for back spasms) as well as 50mg Tramadol (for chronic pain) in which I take 400 mg and some days wayy more and I don’t know where to start to get off of it. My doctor is not going to continue prescribing Tramadol to me because I am going through the prescriptions too fast. I have chronic back pain due to bad scoliosis and really bad lower back pain from the scoliosis and tramadol is the only thing that helps. But some days my back doesn’t hurt and I still take a lot of tramadol when I don’t really need it. I know I have an issue and want to be off of it completely. As well as the Valium. The Valium worked great for both my anxiety and for my muscle spasms at first and now it doesn’t work well at all and makes me feel horribly depressed and not myself at all. I really really really need help on where to start to get off of this stuff soon. I want to be free of prescriptions because they are messing with my life as much as I’d like to say they’re not. I want to be clean and not dependent on anything. Only taking ibuprofen as needed and not feel like I’m living from dose to dose on my pills. I’m really struggling and I need some guidance.

So you feel your full plan is superior to using clonidine and should not be used in tandem? I realize clonidine will not address many of the symptoms.

I am on a relatively moderate 150-200mg prescription since 2011 and do not abuse them and this is the only drug I have ever taken outside some short term recreational uses of various things in my late teens.

The thing with clonidine is if you take it for too long, it can cause rebound hypertension when you come off (withdrawal). Most doctors prescribe it for 7-10 days or less for acute detox. Though I’m sure some would prescribe it for tapering as well. Different approaches will work for different situations. Please ask your doctor how you should use the clonidine.

thanks. Won’t clonidine block the “high” from tramadol? I could see it being used in a tapering program but as you say it would have to be calibrated to the taper. My plan is to go from 150 to zero in 4 weeks. do you think this can be done without too much difficulty? obviously would be easier than a 7 day inpatient detox.

I was reading about your coaching services. if I choose one can you put together a specific plan for me and a list of list of items to buy from the health food store and online? I was thinking about juicing also. what about fasting in say week 3? I am getting there and thanks for the feedback. Planning on starting Monday.

Hi so i stoped taking tramadol about 3 days ago. I was taking about 9 50mg tablets a day. The day after i stoped taking the tramadol i took 2 tylenol with codeine to help with withdrwal symptoms the next 2 days i took hydrocodone. I guess im asking am i now in opiate withdrawal or tramadol withdrawl. And how long do these symptoms usually last? I’ve always heard 3 days but im not sure because I’ve never actually done this before.

It is not like Soboxone or methadone or other opioids. It’s just a dietary supplement that most people use for a few weeks to months. Talk to your doctor to whether or not you should take it and for how long.

Hi Matt, I have a dependence on a low dose of tramadol for the last two years. First year 50 mg per day second year 100 mg per day) Prescribed for chronic pain. In consultation with my doctor I am slow tapering off tramadol by one capsule per week. So I’m on about week 3. I live in a country where Kratom is illegal. I have got dl phenylanine and paracetomol for pain that appear to help a little. Would it be unwise to try 5HTP until I get to a lower level of tramadol usage? I am upping my protein intake, exercising as often as i can but I have a hectic lifestyle with my own business and two small children. Thanks

Amazing progress you’ve made so far! If I were in your shoes, I might wait until I started to feel signs of low serotonin such as depression, then I would start the 5-HTP. Disclaimer: This comment is for informational use, and is not medical advice. Always ask your doctor before trying any new supplements.

Just an update Matt. I’m now down to just 50 mg a day. I think a combination of the DLPA, mindfulness, meditation, exercise and increased dietary protein has really helped. Also I’m seeing a stress illness recovery practitioner and she has really helped me try to resolve my chronic pain. I haven’t needed the 5HTP at all yet. The trouble I have now is that I can only get tramadol in capsule format and I don’t think they make a suspension of it here so I may be looking at entirely tramadol free days and that’s a bit worrying.

Thanks for the update, and sorry there is no more suspension of it. Glad you are seeing a professional to help with the chronic pain she sounds helpful. Also, really cool to hear the natural methods are helping. Please keep us posted on your progress. You’re doing great!

I’m so pleased to say I haven’t had any tramadol in three whole days! I’ve found what helped me in the last few days are Rhodiola rosea 300 g before breakfast and again before lunch. It’s like I still feel some pain but it doesn’t upset me as much. Then at night I take some 5htp and for some reason it seems to help me move about in the morning better. (I suspect I have undiagnosed fibromyalgia) I’ve been taking some paracetamol as needed and magnesium and vitamin C also. Getting loads of sunshine with my little boys has probably been the greatest medicine! Your site has been a great help to me and I’ve used it frequently over the past few months. I too am a Sarno convert and am making really good progress. Thanks again Matt!

Just an update. As you can read above I successfully quit tramadol in May and haven’t looked back. I did gain 8 pounds but it’s a small price to pay. I also felt like I had to relearn how to be active without tramadol. I was very active while on it and would push myself a lot. Now I’m back to running twice a week though my times are a little slower! I don’t feel the need now to take any aminos or herbs (was taking DLPA and 5HTP and rhodiola rosea) to help with the PAWS. All in all I’m delighted with my progress and owe a lot to this site. so thank you sincerely!

It comes with a scooper and the directions are on the website. According to the website, for both formulas it states to take one scoop with water, then wait 30 minutes to assess tolerance. It states you can then take another scoop if needed, but not to take more than that. And yes, it is extremely pricey, though many people have reported how well it worked for tapering. The following article talks about directions and the difference between formulas:

am addicted to tramadol for two years now.please do you think it has effect for women?i want to know what this kartom is n how n were to get it.do you think is the drug that made me fat like this? cox am excising everyday but still no changes.

As you’ve seen, there are many different detox plans on this website. The vitamin C protocol was shown in multiple studies to have good results. Please bring this info to your healthcare provider to see if it is recommended for you. Best of luck to you.

I have tapered to 125 mg a day of tramadol (quick taper since I had purse stolen with a weeks worth of pills in it) I take it for arthritis but know that the real benefits to me are the anti -depression properties. I have never seemed to get relief from prescribed antidepressants, possibly due to the 2’to 3 weeks of waiting for them to work. Sadly in the past I have felt so depressed I would self medicate and forget the antidepressants assuming they did nothing. I was once addicted to Vicodin which was awful…went on suboxone and tapered off. Months later, still having pain and taking nothing but Tylenol my doctor prescribed tramadol…at the time, non regulated and was told it was safe…like ibuprofen basically but more effective. It worked like a charm and also my depression completely vanished. But here I am, yet again, dependent on meds to live. I havent spoken to my doctor about the antidepression benefits because I live in Florida in fear of what could happen…the DEA serms to care more about making arrests than helping people live productive lives….but that is another issue. My normal dose of tram is 2- 50 mg tramadol 3x a day. I have been forced to take 75 mg in the am and one in the late afternoon to make my script last the 30 days. No one would ever give me more now that it is controlled….and I understand laws are laws. Ugh. I feel ok so this dose isn’t too bad but my stomach is not happy, would you think I could take a few loperamide at the same time as the tramadol. Thank you for your information…I will try some of your suggestions. I am 60 years old and don’t want to get high all the time, but would like to live a relatively happy life. I am on the fence about refilling my tram prescription in ten days….but my knees might hurt so I suppose Ill talk to my doc. Any suggestion regarding the loperamide? Thank you and Merry Christmas.

Hello I’ve been on tramadol 2 (50mg) 3 times a day that’s 300mg a day for 2 years due to back pain and siatica problems. I’m now starting yoga and want to come off this stuff. I have a full time job and can’t take time off to go through the withdrawal part. Can you suggest how to taper off 300 mg for me? I’m so blessed to have found this page. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with people like me.

Ask your doctor about this, and as well, you could also Google it. Simply type in “setraline interactions” and then “setraline contraindications.” This would give you an idea, but really you would need to ask your doctor before trying any new supplements.

From that high of a dose, only dropping 5% every two weeks would take forever, and you might be able to go a bit faster and still have great results. However, it’s always best to listen to your body, thus, you might have to experiment a bit and see how feel, then stay the course or adjust procedure if necessary.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This comment is for informational use only. It’s not intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, trying any new supplements, medications, exercise or opiate tapering programs.

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